Chemical Dependency and the Dysfunctional Family

At the root of codependency are patterns of behavior that create unhealthy relationships. Codependents often feel as though they need to take care of other people. In doing so, they ignore their own needs. They act as “caretakers.” This means that they care for someone else by doing things that the person actually could do on his or her own. They also act as “rescuers” when they try to save someone from the results of his or her own poor behavior.

Many codependents have low self-esteem. They believe that they can be liked by others if they take care of them. To feel good about themselves, they have to be able to solve problems for others. However, no one can solve all of someone else's problems. When codependents fail, they feel lonely, depressed, and worthless.